SIR, After reading in your Messenger Ann Johnson's letter re parking fines, putting visitors off visiting the market town of Appleby and its businesses, first you must ask Eden District Council to sort the above situation out now. Don't forget you pay both business rates, and council tax, and need the summer trade to get you through the long winter months.

EDC has sent out questionnaires asking people in Eden for their ideas and views. You are entitled to be heard. If no there is no help there, find out if these traffic wardens are from a private firm and if, for instance, Cumbria County Council is involved financially. See if you can get grants from the Department for Rural Affairs to buy and open a field close to the town. DEFRA this month is putting forth two million into Cumbria, so try for some of it.

Write to Jeremy Partington, Transport and the Regions, Traffic Management Zone 3/15, Great Minister House, 76 Warsham Street, London SW1P 4DR.

In Yorkshire, consultants have been brought in to help their market towns so why not ours before it is too late.

I've just had a report from a businessman in Kirkby Stephen who dashed up to the bank at Penrith. It took him 20 minutes to park and, unfortunately, he was fined £30. It is about time we made more space free for visitors and traders alike.

Mrs D.E. Treece,

Independent Traders,

Kirkby Stephen.

April 30, 2003 10:00